China opens fourth Antarctic research base

Beijing: China has opened a fourth Antarctic research base, authorities said here Saturday.

The new Taishan station is located between Zhongshan and Kunlun stations at an altitude of 2,600 metres, Xinhua reported.
It can accommodate up to 20 people during the Antarctic summer, and is equipped with a runway for fixed-wing aircraft, specially designed for snow and ice.

China`s Antarctic expedition in 1984 was the first step towards establishing the four research centres on the continent -- Great Wall, Zhongshan, Kunlun and, now, Taishan. The first station, Great Wall, opened in 1985.
The Taishan station is expected to be in service for the next 15 years.